Foolproof Tips for Growing Roses

Planting your roses is just the beginning of care. Follow these basic rose-growing guidelines to help keep your plants growing vigorously and producing fabulous blooms:

• Roses are tough; you don't need to baby them.

• After they're established, water deeply once a week if it doesn’t rain.

• Fertilize every four to six weeks.

• Whack 'em back in late winter or early spring.

• If a rose isn't growing as well as you'd like, yank it out and replace it with something better.

• Ask questions. Find a rose society meeting near you and join up; they can help. And don't forget your local nursery or Master Gardener association.